Linacre Methodist Mission and Neighbourhood Centre

Minister's letter

March 2024

 

Dear Friends,

I hate to admit it publicly but I am a big fan of Dr Who! I will religiously watch each series, recording it so that I don't miss an episode! And I am always disappointed when the series ends. At the moment I’m waiting for a new series to begin! I have seen many ‘doctors’ come and go over the years and like many other fans I have my favourite doctor! When the time comes for a change of 'doctor' I often think, 'it won't be the same anymore' and then there is the final episode of the series and the 'doctor' I've got so used to dies and then regenerates into the next 'doctor'. It would be the same 'doctor' but completely different as well although quite often there is something very familiar about the new version. 

On writing this, the story of the transfiguration and the temptations of Jesus have been the lectionary readings. The disciples have been with Jesus for a while, they have seen his ‘adventures,’ been amazed by his miracles, challenged by his teaching. At the transfiguration, Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain with him, they see his face change somehow and watch a bright light shine from him, they watch as he talks with Moses and Elijah – they are given a glimpse of Jesus’ glory.  Peter suggests that they should stay there, but it isn’t the time, they will see that glory again but not yet. Then Jesus is led into the wilderness and tempted by the devil, testing him but Jesus trust and faith in God doesn’t waver as he is prepared for what lies ahead

As we continue on our Lent journey we will remember what happens.  Jesus is tried, condemned, and dies.  I’m sure the disciples wondered what life would be like after that, how could it ever be the same?  That’s the Easter Saturday moment, the old has gone and something new has to come.  It’s a hard time, it’s unsettling and it’s confusing, but it is also full of promise – something new must come.  The disciples don’t know this until they see the resurrected Jesus on Easter Sunday, the same as he was before but completely different as well, he has come through death to new life – transformed, offering that same transformation to all people.  The new is better than anyone could have expected, more wonderful more glorious!

I wonder where we find ourselves in all of this – we know that things in the life of the church are always changing - but where are we? We are still getting used to being part of a bigger circuit and all that brings, but are we at the point of seeing a glimpse of a glorious future or are we wondering how we are going to cope with rising energy prices which will affect the running of this church. Wherever we are, the story that unites us does not end in the waiting and worrying, but in the great transformation, and we are called to trust that in everything we have to face, God is at work to bring about that transformation.  It will be the same, yet completely different as well , and as we move on we will be transformed as individuals, as churches, as a circuit, so let’s look to what God is doing, and remember that in the transformation the glory of God is revealed for all to see!

'Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever'. (Eph 3. 20)

 

Easter Blessings,

Sue

 

 

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